A/N: I'M SO SORRY! I haven't updated in such a long time (by my standards!) and I feel really bad. I also have like two minutes to get this up so I can't reply to any of your reviews as I usually do, but I thought you'd prefer an update now rather than a delay again! So I just want to say a big, big, massive THANK YOU TO EVERYONE! Excuse the capitals but I do really appreciate you all reading and reviewing this. Anyway, I will let you get on and read this because I have to get on out of here. I will try and get another update for you by or at the weekend!

Thanks again for your patience you lovely people!

:)

Bonding

"Tonight?" Robb asked her as she stood backed against the wall with his hand resting protectively on her stomach. "I've felt it Robb," Amy told him, a smile stretched wide across her face; "I've felt our baby moving for the past few days…I can't keep it in anymore, I want everyone to know!" His own lips quirked up at that and he leaned in to kiss her tenderly for a long moment. "Very well," he said when he finally pulled away from her; "we can tell them all at the dinner."

Amy nodded happily in agreement and pulled Robb's hand from her stomach, lacing her fingers through his and tugging on his arm to encourage him down the hallway. She hoped they wouldn't be too late for the dinner her grandfather was throwing. Not everyone would be in attendance, the Queen had declined the invitation and Steffon and Sansa were dining with Stannis and Jon Arryn as well as other members of council. Amy hoped their evening would go well, Sansa had been nervous about it and had promised to relay all the detail to Amy the next day provided she would do the same. Amy didn't really think anything interesting would happen, after all, it was just family dining together. She hoped that the news she and Robb had for them would be enough to smooth away any underlying tensions that may still be present.

"Do you think they'll be pleased?" she asked Robb and his hand squeezed tighter around hers for a moment before he answered her. "Of course they'll be pleased," he said reassuringly; "how could they not be? A baby is a blessing Amy."

"I know it is," she smiled happily, "it just may be a bit of a shock that's all." Robb said nothing in reply, merely squeezing her hand again as they approached the private dining chambers her grandfather had taken over for the night. She reluctantly let go of Robb's hand when they arrived and rapped her knuckles gently against the highly polished wooden door. They were called to come in in the next moment and Robb pushed open the door, gesturing for her to go ahead of him. She did as he bid, smiling widely for those who were already present. As predicted they were the last ones to arrive, her parents, Robb's parents, Tyrion and Geanna were already present and sending smiles their way.

"You are very nearly late Amella," her grandfather said in his sternest voice to which she merely smiled sweetly. "Our apologies," she said; "we are both still getting used to this maze." Her grandfather chuckled at that and her smile only widened as he gestured forward a serving girl. "Drinks," he said sharply; "if you would be so kind," he added after a sharp look from Amy's mother. "What can I get that is pleasing to you milord, milady?" the serving girl asked.

"Wine please," Robb inclined his head to her; "northern," he added as an afterthought and Amy saw her grandfather smile ever so slightly before he gestured to the chair next to him. "If you would Stark," he said and Robb looked at her for a second before he made his way to sit on her grandfather's left side. Her father was sat on the right with Lord Stark next to him. Her mother was sat at the opposite end of the table with Tyrion and Geanna on her right and Lady Stark on her left leaving a space between Robb and her good-mother for Amy. "Lemon water please," she said quietly to the expectant serving girl, ignoring the raised brows.

No doubt they were all confused as to why she was not indulging in her usual Arbor Gold. The truth was the thought of wine just made her feel sick, she much preferred fruit waters and teas now. Even just smelling wine or ale on Robb's lips made her want to gag. Usually he would be mindful of it, but she could not begrudge him indulging tonight as it was a family dinner. Lord Stark smiled at her as she took her place, Robb not even sparing her a glance as he was caught up in a rather intense conversation with her grandfather. After a moment she realised they were speaking about battle tactics and troop movements and she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Her father caught her, his lips twitching up slightly before he turned his attention back to the conversation that he was evidently supposed to be a part of as Amy's drink was set down in front of her. She thanked the serving girl and lifted it up to her lips, settling it down again after a moment and turning to Lady Stark as her mother was busy in conversation with Geanna and Tyrion. "Did your dress arrive for the wedding?" Amy asked her good-mother and she smiled. "Yes it did," she replied; "fine work indeed…the Queen is now insisting on another for the coronation."

"It would not do to wear the same one twice," Amy said seriously and Lord Stark audibly choked slightly on his wine opposite her. She couldn't help but frown slightly as she looked towards her good-father, seeing him share an amused glance with his wife. "I sometimes forget you're from the south, given how well you've settled at Winterfell," he said with a wide smile; "but then you endeavour to remind me with a statement like that."

"But you can't wear the same thing to a wedding and a coronation, especially as it is your daughter who is being married and crowned," Amy stressed and Lord Stark chuckled, shaking his head slightly before he took a draught of wine. "I sometimes think Ned only owns one set of clothes," Lady Stark murmured to her and it was her turn to laugh. "And sometimes," her good-mother continued; "he forgets that I too am from the south and rather like a new dress now and again."

"Now and again?" Tyrion seemed to latch on to the conversation; "You should think yourself lucky indeed Lord Stark." Geanna looked rather scandalised at that and Amy bit her lip to stop another laugh escaping her. "I only wear what you have been generous enough to gift me with," Geanna said indignantly and Tyrion shared a look with Lord Stark before picking up his wine. "Of course my darling, and you are worth all the silks in the world and more besides it," he said to which Geanna narrowed her eyes slightly but said no more.

"A Lannister woman must always look her best," her grandfather spoke up from the head of the table and Amy was hopeful that they would stop debating war tactics now. "And what about Stark women?" Lord Stark asked and Amy bit down harder on her bottom lip, determinedly avoiding her mother's gaze as she knew she would succumb to the giggles if she did. "Your wife is a fine woman," her grandfather inclined his glass towards Lady Stark, "as is your daughter," he added.

"And Amy," Robb added with a grin and her grandfather shot him an irritable look. "And Amella of course…but in my eyes she will always be a Lannister woman," her grandfather said and she couldn't help but smile at him, hearing the note of pride in his voice. "She certainly has the look," Lord Stark said, taking another sip of wine. "Yes," her grandfather agreed, "your own children seem to favour the Tully blood."

"Aye," Lord Stark agreed, "for the most part." Amy shifted slightly awkwardly then, hoping that he was not referring to Jon as the evening would likely turn sour if he was. She glanced between Robb and his mother, seeing her face set in a rather determined manner. "Arya is far more Stark," Robb said and Amy took a breath, again glancing at her good-mother and seeing she had relaxed slightly. "Aye, Arya is a wolf alright," Lord Stark chuckled and her grandfather mustered a smile.

There was a slight lull in the conversation then and Amy looked to Robb, raising one of her brows slightly to which he inclined his head. She took a deep breath then, excitement welling up in her as she imagined the reaction to their news. It would be good she just knew it, her grandfather would be thrilled and no doubt everyone else would be too. "We have some news," she said, again looking at Robb and seeing a wide smile stretching across his face. "Well, do not keep us in suspense Amella," her grandfather said and she took a calming breath, seeing Robb nod slightly at her again.

"Well," she said, a smile spreading across her own face now; "Robb and I are going to have a baby." Silence greeted them for a moment and Amy's heart seemed to pound irrationally hard but then the exclamations began and she began to breathe more normally. She caught Robb's eye again and they smiled at one another as their loved ones offered their congratulations.

"That's such wonderful news!" Geanna exclaimed.

"Wonderful indeed," Tyrion added, inclining his glass to them, "I cannot wait to meet them."

"I'm so pleased for you both," her mother said meaningfully, "I know how much you wanted this."

"Yes, congratulations," her father said, his eyes looking rather tight.

"We'll have the nursery cleared out on our return," Robb's father said, "congratulations."

"Thank you," Amy said warmly, looking around all of them.

"Well done," Lady Stark murmured to her, laying her hand atop hers; "I told you it would happen."

"How right you were," Amy replied with a smile and Lady Stark squeezed her hand for a moment.

"To Robb and Amella," her grandfather stood up and raised his glass; "and to the safe arrival of my first great-grandchild."

Tywin reclined back in his chair by the fire and took a long sip of wine before breathing out in satisfaction. The meal had been a greater success than he had imagined it to be, Jaime and Lord Stark had even shared a joke with one another at one point. Tywin saw Amy's news that she was expecting as the catalyst for the more relaxed conversations and attitudes. He himself was thrilled at the news, as happy as Robb and Amy were in their marriage, it would not be a secure on until an heir was born to them. Now one was on the way and Tywin could rest a little easier in his bed at night, now he just had Steffon to worry about but plans were well in place for his secured succession.

Having Stannis so firmly onside and the Starks at their back made him and his family near invincible. Jon Arryn had again written to Renly demanding his attendance at the coronation where he would be expected to kneel and swear fealty to Steffon. The smallfolk were already clamouring over Sansa Stark, she had been near overwhelmed by well-wishers when she had ventured out to the Sept earlier in the week. In two days she would be Queen and the people would no doubt fawn over her all the more, especially if she were quick with child. Tywin had hopes that she would be, if she were anything like her mother then Steffon would soon be swimming in heirs. He sighed in contentment and took another sip of wine before closing his eyes for a moment.

They soon snapped open again as a knock came at the door. "Come!" he called out and it opened in the next moment, revealing Lady Stark to him. "Forgive me, my lord," she said apologetically, "I believe I may have left my shawl…" she tailed off, her eyes darting round before she found it hung on the back of one of the dining chairs. "I'll take it and get out of your way, I would hate to disturb your peace after such a long night," she said, crossing to pick it up. Tywin watched as she settled it around her, admiring her poise. He had been unsure what to make of Catelyn Stark, having heard only good things from Lanette and Amy, and yet confused as to why the woman they described would allow her husband's bastard to reside within her home.

"Can I tempt you to take a nightcap with me, my lady?" he asked her on a whim and she seemed surprised at the offer, hesitating slightly before she crossed to him instead of the door. "Sit yourself down," Tywin went on, gesturing to the armchair opposite his, "I will get you a drink." He stood as she sat down, arranging her skirts neatly about her as he poured her a decent measure of wine. "Thank you my lord," she said when he offered it to her. "You're most welcome," he replied, settling back down in his own chair.

"Your first grandchild," he said after a moment, "you must be thrilled." Lady Stark's eyes lit up at that, a smile threatening her lips as she nodded her head. "I can scarce believe it," she said after a moment; "sometimes I look at Robb and wonder where the time went. It seems not five minutes ago he was a squalling babe in my arms and now he is set to be a father himself," she was shaking her head almost disbelievingly and Tywin smiled slightly wryly. "I know that feeling my lady, believe me," he replied before he took a sip of wine and contemplated her for a long moment.

"You raised a fine boy, you and your lord husband," he finally complimented her and she looked vaguely surprised at his words. "Thank you my lord," she said, a smile lighting up her eyes for a moment. "You seem surprised," he said knowingly; "you shouldn't be, given that it was my idea for him and Amella to be matched. It would not have reflected well on my judgment if he made her miserable."

"It seems so long ago Ned received your letter," she smiled slightly wistfully, "he thought it was a hoax at first…then the next one came and the next. When word came from Robert Ned knew that he would have to give in and agree to it. How much gold did you offer him my lord, if you don't mind my asking?"

"More than I care to remember," he chuckled slightly at her knowledge that he had bribed Robert to intervene in his cause. "Why did you want Robb so badly?" she asked him curiously and he took another sip of wine before he answered her. "The North is the largest of the seven kingdoms, my son and heir has one daughter, she couldn't just be married to anyone," he told her; "there might not be much wealth in the North but there are men and there is loyalty. One can never underestimate loyalty, it is a sparse thing in this world, as Renly Baratheon is doing a fine job of illustrating to us."

"Ned cannot believe it…or rather he can. Renly was always a vain boy, ideas above his station…but Gods I hope he bends the knee. It will not be a good start to the King's reign if he has to execute his own uncle," she said, shaking her head in a rather disappointed manner. "Renly is popular," Tywin nodded, "we just have to make sure Steffon is more so, I believe your daughter will be instrumental there…the people already seem rather taken with her."

"People often mistake Sansa for a foolish little girl who lives in a fantasy world," she told him, meeting his eyes; "but there is a fire in Sansa and a quiet strength that shines through her. It would be best not to underestimate that my lord. Is it true you will be taking over as Hand of the King?"

Her question came so out of the blue that Tywin didn't even have a moment to think before he was answering her. "Yes," he said, the first time he had confirmed it to anyone; "though it is not official yet. Jon Arryn stepped down from the role given the current threat of military action…he felt I was better placed to steer the kingdoms through this potentially troubled time. He will take over as Master of Laws, and I am hoping to persuade Stannis to take the position of Master of Ships, at least temporarily. I need a council I can trust, Varys and Baelish will need an eye kept on them at all times. It's a shame Amy's happy news coincides with this trouble, your son would be an excellent addition to the council, he has a tactical mind…and a good one at that. But…I know there is no way he would consider it now Amy is with child, he would not leave her to have the babe alone and he would not want his heir born in the south."

"No," Lady Stark agreed with a wry smile, "you are right there my lord, I believe he would take Amy back to Winterfell tomorrow if it weren't for the coming celebrations." Tywin nodded knowingly at that. Truly it was a shame though, Robb had a great understanding for military tactics and strategies. Whether he was any good out on the battlefield was irrelevant if he had such good ideas off it. Still, his priority was his wife and unborn child and Tywin could not have any complaints about that. "I knew that gold was well spent," he chuckled lightly and Lady Stark smiled at him before raising her glass. "To healthy grandchildren," she said and he repeated the words back to her as he clinked his glass against hers, praying that their toast would come to fruition.

Lanette was walking out on the garden terrace. She couldn't sleep and Jaime was driving her to distraction. He was fretting about Amy's pregnancy and all the things that could possibly go wrong and on top of that he was trying to find the right words to tell her about his past with Cersei. Lanette could take no more, she had soothed him as best she could and he had finally gone to sleep but was restless in the bed, making it impossible for her to close her own eyes. Footsteps sounded behind her as she walked and she turned to see who was also out so late. It was Cersei and she looked just as surprised to see her there as she was.

"You're up late," she commented and Lanette smiled wryly. "As are you," Lanette said, "Jaime's wound up and I couldn't sleep," she confessed and her good-sister frowned slightly. "Has something happened?" Cersei asked her, slight panic lacing her concerned tone. "Amy's pregnant," Lanette told her and a smile lit up her face at once. "That's wonderful," she said, "she must be so happy, from what she had said I gathered she was desperate for a baby. Although…I did suspect on the journey that she might soon have good news."

"Yes, we did too," Lanette said as they drifted towards one of the stone benches and settled themselves down; "but of course now it has been confirmed Jaime can only think of all the things that could go wrong."

"It's understandable, given what happened to you," Cersei said quietly and Lanette nodded her agreement, meeting her good-sister's eyes for a moment. "He wants to tell Amy the truth," she confessed and Cersei's eyes widened at once in disbelief. "Why in the name of the Gods would he want to do such a thing?!" she demanded.

"He thinks it would be better coming from us, that now we are here at the Capitol others could discover it and try and use it against us," Lanette explained but Cersei did not look placated. "There is no telling how she would react if he told her," she said, "and even if anyone else were to suspect that something untoward went on between us they have no proof. It could be easily denied, scoffed at and mocked…by the Gods Lanette…if Amy took it badly she could tell Steffon or my girls and then we would be in an almighty mess…and Gods! What if she told my father?!"

"Amy's not stupid, she might be upset…Gods, she will be upset but she isn't foolish enough to tell anyone about it. She would know she would be risking her father's life and as angry and hurt as she might be by his actions, she would never risk his death. She loves Jaime, the pair of them were nigh on inseparable until she went to Winterfell, she would never risk losing him, no matter how angry she was. I couldn't do it…all those years ago I couldn't bring myself to expose the pair of you and I had far less to lose," Lanette explained to her and Cersei's eyes softened.

"That's not entirely true is it?" she asked her softly; "You were in love with Jaime and carrying his child when you discovered us. And yes you were angry but I don't think you even considered telling Robert for a moment, not really…did you?"

"Part of me wanted to," Lanette nodded her head, "part of me really wanted to hurt the pair of you. Badly. But no…no I never could have done it, not really, not when I knew both of your heads would adorn the Red Keep. You I might have made an exception for," she smiled slightly and Cersei snorted; "but then I saw you there with your son…the love you had for him and I knew I couldn't deprive that innocent baby of his mother, no more than I could have deprived my own little life from its father. Seeing Amy and Jaime together now, all these years…I know I made the right decision."

"What if it breaks it?" Cersei asked her, "What if telling her the truth breaks that bond they have? Jaime might be set on this but has he really thought it through? Has he actually considered the possibility that she may return to the North and never come back? I might have my own selfish reasons for wanting him to keep quiet but believe it or not I don't want to see Amy hurt and I don't want Jaime to lose his only daughter. What is the point in destroying over seventeen years of happy memories over a few kisses and touches that happened before she was even born? It might ease his own guilty conscience, but what will it do to Amy?"

"I don't know," Lanette shook her head, "I just don't know…but Jaime isn't doing it for his own conscience, at least not entirely. He is doing it for Robb's, because he knows it will tear him up in the end to keep secrets from Amy."

"Gods I wish he had never overhead us that day," Cersei hissed and Lanette smiled wryly, nodding her agreement. "Don't we all," she said with a heavy sigh. "We've been a happy little family these past weeks, despite what happened to Robert," Cersei said, "…I should have known it was too good to be true."

Amy walked blindly away without either of them noticing her. She had only come out to breathe in some fresh air before bed, her stomach churning uncomfortably and reminding her that she had probably been a bit overambitious at dinner. Even the ginger tea Robb had made for her hadn't managed to settle her stomach. Now she felt sick for a whole other reason, the urge to gag almost overwhelming her as she half collapsed into the wall. She fought the urge to be sick as tears leaked out from her stinging eyes. Never, never in her life had she felt so alone or betrayed. Was she that stupid? The people she trusted most of all in the world…

She retched. Robb was in her mind now. Robb knew. How could he know and not tell her? When had he found out? She cast her mind back to the Rock, remembering his rejection and his odd behaviour, remembered his insistence that they go back to Winterfell. She wished she hadn't fought him on it now, she wished she had let him bundle her away and keep her safe and ignorant to this. Still she could not make sense of it, the twisted images of her father with his own sister making her want to be sick again. She pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a sob before she straightened up and wiped her eyes determinedly.

Robb first. She couldn't face any of the others yet, perhaps she would never be ready, but Robb… She needed to look him in the eye and she needed him to tell her why he had kept something like this from her. No doubt he thought he was protecting her but she didn't feel protected. She felt hurt and confused, betrayed and vulnerable. It hurt so much but now she knew she was determined to get to the bottom of this, she would have the whole truth from every one of them. She would make each one of them tell her no matter how awkward or humiliating it might be for everyone. Her steps were determined as she walked back towards the keep, her mind set. All she wanted to do was break down and cry but she forced herself onwards, forced herself to stop conjuring up images that were only serving to further shatter her ignorant bliss.

A/N: Sorry about another horrible ending! Also, those who are wanting more Steffon/Sansa, they really aren't my focus of this story and I really don't want to get too side-tracked away from my main couples. Obviously as King and Queen they will be an important presence but I won't be doing any POV. Sorry if that's disappointing but this is really a focus on Jaime/Lanette and Amy/Robb, despite others having more focus recently. Anyway, must dash, hope you enjoyed the new chapter and thank you so much to everyone again!

:)